A strong sisterly bond inspired three Brimbank sisters to complete the same double degree at Victoria University (VU), and they now plan to do their doctorates together next year.
The Lyons sisters – Rebecca, 34, Jaimie-Lea, 32, and Tanaya, 27 – graduated with a bachelor of arts (honours) and a bachelor of arts (Kyinandoo) – the latter the only degree in the state focusing on indigenous culture and values.
The trio, who all live at St Albans, used their family background and their father’s experience as a member of the stolen generation for their honours theses.
Rebecca wrote about her father’s original birth certificate, Tanaya about the effect of institutionalising indigenous people and removing them from their country, and Jaimie‐Lea’s thesis is about racism and genocide.
Rebecca said the sisters had never imagined when they started their degrees that they would be graduating with honours or taking on PhDs.
Jaimie-Lea said the trio had supported each other throughout their studies.
They now work together as researchers at VU’s Moondani Balluk academic unit, where they are involved in a project with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service relating to the Royal Commission’s investigation into child abuse in institutions.
“We want to make changes in the indigenous community. We’ve come this far, we might as well go all the way [by doing our PhDs],” Jaimie-Lea said.
“We are stronger together. Our children are proud that their mums are students just like they are.”
For information about the bachelor of arts (Kyinandoo), go to www.vu.edu.au.
